Chief Charles Diebold grew up in the Wyandotte area before graduating in 1976 and heading off to study Electronics Technology at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. After earning his degree, he relocated to Tulsa to work for several companies, small and large. Eventually, he joined the Information Technology (IT) department at American Airlines, around the same time personal computers came to prominence.

Chief Diebold feels very fortunate to have grown up in a family so heavily involved with the Seneca-Cayuga Nation and Longhouse Ways. His grandmother, Amanda Whitewing, was the head Faithkeeper until she passed away in 1951. His mother, Ruby Diebold, later assumed the same role, which she held until 1991. Both his uncles, Bob and Dutch White, were also ceremonial leaders for the southside men. Uncle Bob held the duties of Ceremonial Chief and speaker, while Uncle Dutch was the Keeper of the Drum.

In 2005, Chief Diebold had the privilege of being seated as Ceremonial Chief. Serving his people in both times of joy and during times of sadness, has given him a “sense of pride and humility.” As the chief of the Business Committee, Chief Diebold aims to move “the Nation forward economically” through unification and improved transparency. He believes an engaged tribal population allows the Nation to “move forward with new ideas and build pride for all Seneca-Cayuga people.

In the coming year, Chief Diebold hopes to get several new projects off the ground, including the Rural Broadband Internet initiative. Our reservation area of about 78 miles has very limited options for internet and cell service. Due to the pandemic, the federal government has been offering grants to help students and households in rural areas stay more connected with better internet. The Nation has applied for this grant. By capitalizing on this opportunity, we will be able to “grow new business entities, provide a service for our reservation area, and provide technical jobs for members.”

Holding both positions of Chief and Ceremonial Chief is a unique opportunity that is not lost on Chief Diebold. He believes he, the Business Committee, and the Tribe as a whole, are in a position to build a strong foundation for success—to make a big difference for future generations. And along the way, keep our tribal traditions intact, as they have been for hundreds of years, a point of pride for our Nation.

The last few years have been tough, especially with the pandemic. But the new Chief has a message for his fellow tribal members. In the face of adversity, it can be helpful to “be thankful. Thankful for your family, thankful to walk outside on a cold morning when it is so still and quiet and take that long breath, when the air feels so clean and fresh. For that moment time stands still and you are free, free from worries, free from problems. COVID will pass and we will carry on.”